Maybe This Time

026

As Lingling and Orm's relationship continued to deepen, both of them felt the happiness of finally being in sync, stronger and more resilient than before.

They had faced challenges head on and each hurdle only seemed to make their bond stronger. Yet, as fulfilling as this love was, Lingling knew there were still some obstacles to overcome.

One of those obstacles was Orm's family, people who cared for Orm deeply and had been there to help her rebuild after the separation with Lingling.

Fiercely protective and cautious, they weren't easily convinced that this new chapter with Lingling would end any differently.
Though Orm's family was polite when Lingling was around, she felt the undertone of reservation, the subtle distance they kept.

She could sense the worry behind their guarded questions and their measured smiles, as if they were holding back from giving their full trust.

Lingling knew they cared about Orm and only wanted the best for her, but it didn't make it any easier to be on the receiving end of their protectiveness.

One Sunday afternoon, Lingling and Orm were invited to a family gathering. It was a chance to catch up with relatives, and Lingling knew it was also an opportunity to demonstrate to Orm's family just how committed she was.

As she prepared to meet them, Lingling took a deep breath, determined to show them that she wasn't the same person who had once caused Orm so much pain.

Upon arriving, Lingling could immediately feel the tension in the air. Orm's family members greeted her warmly enough, but there was a guardedness beneath the smiles, a hesitance that reminded Lingling that trust, once broken, was hard to rebuild.
Orm's mother, in particular, seemed distant.

Her expression was polite but wary, and Lingling felt a pang of nerves as she exchanged pleasantries with her. She had anticipated this, but it didn't make it any easier.

Orm, sensing Lingling's discomfort, gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, offering silent encouragement. Lingling took a steadying breath and decided to let her actions speak for themselves.

Throughout the afternoon, she made an effort to connect with everyone there, seeking out chances to show that she was truly committed to Orm. She joined in on conversations with Orm's aunts and uncles, showing genuine interest in their stories and opinions.

She laughed with Orm's younger cousins, who quickly warmed up to her as she joked and listened to their stories, making sure they knew she was part of the family now.

When it was time to help out in the kitchen, Lingling volunteered right away, eager to show that she was willing to pitch in wherever she was needed. As she helped prepare plates and set the table, she chatted with Orm's brother, who had been quietly watching Lingling throughout the day.

Lingling shared anecdotes, talked about her recent projects, and spoke honestly about how much she cared for Orm and the life they were building together. She wanted Orm's family to see her sincerity, to recognize how hard she was working to be the kind of partner Orm deserved.

Orm, watching from across the room, gave Lingling an encouraging smile. She knew how hard Lingling was trying, and her heart swelled with pride. It was clear that Lingling was committed to making this relationship work, not just for her own sake, but for Orm's happiness as well.

Orm's quiet support throughout the day felt like an anchor to Lingling, reminding her that they were in this together. Even it it took time, they would navigate this as a team.

As the afternoon wore on, Lingling found herself in a rare moment alone with Orm's mother, who had been observing her carefully. Lingling could sense that Orm's mother had something on her mind, and she braced herself for what was to come.

Finally, Orm's mother spoke, her tone serious but not unkind. "Lingling," she began, her eyes searching Lingling's face. "I want you to know that l've always trusted Orm's choices. She's a smart, capable woman, and I respect her judgment. But you have to understand..."

She then continues, "I watched her go through a lot of pain before. It was hard to see her so hurt, and as her mother, I can't help but be protective. So, I need to know... how can you be sure this won't end the same way?"

Lingling met her gaze, steady and sincere. She could feel the weight of Orm's mother's concerns and knew that this moment was crucial.

Taking a deep breath, Lingling spoke with quiet determination. "I understand why you feel that way." She began as she looked at Orm's mother with a worry tinted on her face.

She then speaks, her voice firm but soft. "I know I hurt Orm before and it's something I'll always regret. But since then, I've worked hard to change, to become someone she can rely on and trust. I've had to look at myself, really face my own mistakes, and learn from them. I don't want to be the person who lets her down again. I'm here because I love her, and I'm committed to her happiness just as much as she is to mine."

Orm's mother listened intently, her expression softening as she absorbed Lingling's words. The initial hardness in her eyes faded, replaced by a glimmer of understanding.

She paused before speaking, her voice gentler than before.
"I can see that you care about her," Orm's mother said slowly. "And that's all l've ever wanted for Orm for her to be loved by someone who truly values her."

Lingling felt a wave of relief wash over her, and she offered a grateful smile. "Thank you. That's exactly what I'm here for," she replied sincerely.

The tension between them seemed to dissolve in that moment, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Lingling felt a weight lift off her shoulders, knowing that she had taken an important step toward earning Orm's family's trust. It wasn't a complete acceptance, but it was a start, and for Lingling, that was enough.

As the evening came to a close, Lingling and Orm said their goodbyes and headed back to Orm's apartment. The air was cool and crisp as they walked, and Orm, sensing Lingling's exhaustion, reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her pride and affection were evident in her gaze.

"Thank you for today," Orm whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "I know my family can be tough, and I appreciate everything you did."

Lingling smiled, a sense of peace settling over her. "They're just looking out for you. And honestly? I don't blame them," she replied, her voice soft but resolute. "I'll keep showing them, day by day, that I'm here to stay."

Orm leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Lingling's cheeks. "I know you will." She murmured.

They walked in comfortable silence, each step a quiet affirmation of their commitment to one another. As they reached their front door, Lingling felt a renewed sense of purpose.

She knew that building trust with Orm's family would take time, but she was willing to put in the effort, no matter how long it took.

She understood now that proving herself wasn't just about erasing the mistakes of the past, it was about showing up every day as a partner Orm could be proud of, as someone who valued the life they were creating together.

With Orm's hand in hers, Lingling felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that this love, this commitment, was worth every effort.

Together, they walked into the future, one step at a time, with the quiet certainty that they were exactly where they were meant to be.